Tag Archives: Michigan

Pere Marquette EMD E-7 Locomotive

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This illustration is one of the new series of streamlined locomotives produced by General Motors’ Electromotive Division. This one was a E-7 version, operated by the Pere Marquette during the declining days of passenger rail transport in the United States.

Natural Color Postcard Made in U.S.A. by E. C. Kropp, Co., Milwaukee, Wis.


The description on the back states:
THE PERE MARQUETTES
First of the postwar streamliners. Pere Marquette Railway’s all-reserved-seat coach trains operate on Michigan’s fastest rail schedules between Detroit, Lansing and Grand Rapids.
–While these are arguably the most photogenic, the most well known Pere Marquette locomotive still in operation is the Pere Marquette 1225, a 2-8-4 Berkshire locomotive restored and used as the model for the film “The Polar Express”.
I was personally involved in the restoration of the 1225 during my time at Michigan State University between 1974 and 1977. I acted as MSU Railroad Club Secretary as well as working directly on the locomotive.
This illustration dates from the 1940s.

Elevated View, Downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan

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This is an image of the main road through Grand Rapids at the time, Michigan Avenue. Visible in the image is a set of streetcar tracks which served the entire visible length of the avenue, and the Michigan Avenue bridge over the Grand River.
There is no description on the back of this card. The original photo had some detail problems which have been crudely corrected with black outlining, clearly visible in the back right of the image, most notably around the church and steeple. Of course, it has also been colorized as well.
Given the age of this card, it is almost certain the photograph was taken from a building tower or steeple and not from an aircraft. This postcard was used, and is dated 3 July 1915.

First Methodist Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan

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At first glance, this postcard appears to be identical to this one, posted here long ago. The photographs on which the colorized version is based is the same, with only a couple of very interesting revisions.

Genuine Curteich-Chicago “C.T. American Art” Post Card


The description on the back states:
THE FIRST METHODIST CHURCH
FULTON STREET at BARCLAY AVENUE
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
–Among the changes between this card and the previous one are the legend at the bottom, which now omits the word ‘Episcopal’, as that part of the church name was retired after a merger in 1939. Additionally, the code number at the bottom right is the same with the addition of ‘-N’, indicating a new version of the card.
Most telling are the two cars visible in the image. The older card shows cars typical of the 1930s, while this image shows cars typical of the 1940s in exactly the same locations.
This image almost certainly dates from the 1940s.
 

U.B.A. Hospital, Grand Rapids, Michigan

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This colorized image shows a palatial building used as a public hospital in Grand Rapids at the beginning of the 20th century.
There is no description on the back of this card. The U.B.A. is the Union Benevolent Association, previously the Ladies’ Union Benevolent Association, and this organization built the hospital in 1886. Visible on the porch is at least one nurse and likely some additional staff. By this time the building was also used as a nursing school.
In 1915 this building was replaced with a more purpose-built structure named Blodgett Memorial Hospital, on a nearby location in the city. It was in this new Blodgett Hospital Maternity Ward that my mother was born in 1932.
This postcard was used and is dated 2 January 1907.

Campground, Michigan

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Shown in this image is a typical campground for tourists traveling by car. Clearly visible are various kinds of tents that have been unpacked and erected on the ground near the owner’s car.

Photographed & Published by Penrod Studios, Berrien Center, Michigan


The description states:
MICHIGAN – WATER-WINTER WONDERLAND
Camping is fun in Michigan. Excellent campgrounds with facilities for tents and trailers are available all over the state. Visit Michigan
–The text is vague and indicates the intent was to encourage tourism by promoting the common availability of campgrounds such as this. This postcard is likely from the 1960s.

Fallasburg Bridge, Lowell, Michigan

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This is an image of a covered bridge, a structure built to improve the lifespan of otherwise exposed timber bridge elements, which typically would only last a decade or so without cover. This example is the Fallasburg Bridge near Lowell, Michigan.

Photographed & Published by Penrod Studios, Berrien Center, Michigan


The description states:
FALLASBURG COVERED BRIDGE
In Kent County, a short distance north of Lowell, the Fallasburg Bridge crosses the Flat River. Still in use today, this is one of several covered bridges near Grand Rapids, Michigan.
–While they are no longer ideal for heavily used transportation routes, these bridges are maintained and renovated for their scenic and historical interest. This image likely dates from the 1950s.

Autumn Colors, Upper Peninsula, Michigan

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This image shows the wide range of colors in the Northern Michigan woodlands as autumn is in full swing. This is common throughout the state, and elsewhere in the northern parts of the United States. It is a popular tourist activity to tour the countryside during this time of year in cars or on tourist trains.

The L.L. Cook Co., Milwaukee, WI


The description states:
G-278
Autumn Days bring vivid red, green and gold to enchant the land before fading into Winter’s somber tones.
Vacationland Scene
–This card was printed with a date, and is marked 1960, though it was mailed in 1967.

Michigan Black Bear, Bear Lake, Michigan

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This image shows a Michigan black bear in the wild near the lake with a similar name: Bear Lake, located in Kalkaska County, Michigan.

The L.L. Cook Co., Milwaukee, WI


The description on the back states:
JUST BARELY AWAKE
Crashing through the grass and brush, this big guy looks like he might make it tough for somebody.
–Such bears are still present in various less urbanized areas of Michigan, but a far less common than during the time of this photo. This postcard was dated by the publisher, and is from 1951.

Boeing B-17 Propaganda Card

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This card is an image of an early version of the Boeing B-17 heavy bomber, nicknamed the Flying Fortress. This is recognizable as an early model as there are no apparent weapon installations, and several typical features of the warplane are missing, such as the turret above and behind the cockpit, the turret at the back of the tail section, the side gun ports near the rear of the fuselage, and no turret in the chin below the bomber’s viewing window. Specifically, this appears to be the YB-17 variant, a developmental design built before the beginning of hostilities.

Genuine Curteich-Chicago “C.T. Art Colortone”


There is no description on the back of the card. The phrase “Keep ‘Em Flying” printed at the top of the card was a common exhortation used to encourage the American public to support the war effort with monetary and other contributions.
This card was sent by an airman who was assigned to an airfield in Tennessee after the war, and by law did not require a stamp for the serviceman to mail. However, the card was cancelled anyway, and has a date of 24 September 1948

Park Place Hotel, Traverse City, Michigan

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This substantial structure is the Park Place Hotel, with an annex attached to the front. It is a still operating business with the same name, location and building, and is now a historical site in Michigan as well.

Tichnor Quality Views


There is no description on the back of this card. The cars shown are typical of the 1940s, and the card was used, with a date of 24 April, 1945.